Art of Science Gallery 04

Image provided by Mark Band, Functional Genomics Unit, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center

Research funded by the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center and the Office of Vice Chancellor of Research at the University of Illinois

In order to measure gene expression, researchers once needed relatively large samples of tissue. Devices such as this cell capture chip made by Fluidigm now make it possible to measure gene expression in single cells. Microchannels on the chip, like the ones seen here, orchestrate the precise fluid flows needed to bring together the cells and the chemicals used to process them.